Storm too fierce for Bees

A MARK TURNER goal with less than five minutes remaining proved too little too late for Bracknell Bees' depleted side last night.

Already carrying two vacancies in their squad for their third away Sekonda Superleague match in four nights, Bees were forced to take to the ice with just 12 skaters after being further handicapped by injuries to defenceman Blair Scott and forward Darren Hurley in the previous evening's 4-1 defeat at Ayr Scottish Eagles.

Manchester Storm opened the scoring through Dwight Parrish after exactly eight minutes, in between Bees' only two powerplay opportunites of the evening.

But the Superleague's most effective powerplay unit were unable to make the extra man count when Manchester had Joe Busillo and later Ivan Matulik sinbinned for two minutes apiece after being called for cross-checking and interference respectively.

Busillo made it 2-0 less than four minutes into the middle session, former Bees ace Mark Bultje being credited with one of the assists.

Bees' overstretched bench remained disciplined, giving up just one powerplay when defenceman Mark Matier received a tripping penalty from referee Moray Hanson.

But Enio Sacilotto's well-drilled penalty-killing unit saw off the danger before the end of the second period.

Busillo hit his second goal and Manchester's third when he beat Brian Greer at 52.34.

Although Turner netted at the other end less than three minutes later, ruining Stevie Lyle's hopes of a shut-out, there was no way back for a weary Bracknell outfit.